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For the first time in my life, I make no attempt to hide my dislike of this man. “Allisander,” I say. “I’d think you would have learned your lesson about standing too close to the bars.”
He doesn’t move. “I’d think you would have learned your lesson about smuggling.”
“I’m not a smuggler.”
His eyes trace the walls. “Your current accommodations suggest otherwise.”
“What do you want?”
“You’ve stolen from your people, Corrick, while punishing them for the same. I want your brother to make an example of you.”
“I’m not behind the raids on your supply runs.”
“It doesn’t matter if you are or not. The people of Kandala must see a show of strength. They must see that the king will not stand for insurrection—and we all know Harristan isn’t going to do anything to you. Something must be done—and it’s clear that you and your brother are no longer the ones who should be doing it.” He pauses for one long, vicious second. “Many of the other consuls agree.” He tsks mockingly. “Perhaps you should have granted Jonas the funding for that bridge.”
A cold lick of fear races down my spine. I need to get to my brother. All this time I’ve been worried about rebellion from the sectors, when I should have been paying attention to what was happening with the consuls. I think of Arella and Roydan, and I can’t believe my options are siding with them or siding with this man. “Not all of the consuls agree.”
“Enough of us do. And we have enough of a force to do what we see is necessary.”
I stare at him. “Most people don’t boldly admit to treason in front of my guards, Allisander.”
“Treason? Kandala stands on the brink of revolution. The elites were woken by explosions in the streets two nights ago. Rebels have formed packs in the Wilds. The King’s Justice has been found to be a hypocritical traitor—and the king himself hides a cough that grows worse by the day. No one is safe. There’s nothing treasonous about protecting our people.” He steps right up to the bars. “Especially when you and your brother sure couldn’t do it.”
I punch him in the face.
He rocks back, blood flowing freely from his nose. “Guards!” he shouts. “Guards, you will punish him!”
They don’t move. They don’t even look over.
I stand against the bars and flex my fingers. “You don’t seem to have much willing help right now.”
Allisander swipes blood from his face and surges forward, his hands balled into fists.
Rocco catches him from behind. “Consul. You will keep your distance.”
Allisander glares at me. There’s blood smeared across his cheek. “Fine. Let me go.”
Rocco looks at me.
Ishake my head. “Put him in a cell,” I say coolly. “He’s conspiring against the throne.”
Allisander fights the guard’s grip. It makes his nose start bleeding again. “This won’t work. We’ll see you hanged, Corrick,” he snaps. “I’ll do it myself—”
Rocco shoves him into a cell, and one of the Hold guards slams the gate.
“Do you know who I am?” he yells. “You will all be put to death. This man has no power any longer. He is a criminal—”
I ignore him. “Rocco,” I say urgently. “You need to go back to the palace. You need to tell Harristan what he said. The consuls can’t be trusted. I don’t know what they’re planning, but you need to go back.”
Rocco stands in front of my bars. “My orders are to keep you safe.”
I swear and hit the bars, and they rattle with an earsplitting clang. “The hell with your orders! You have to protect the king!”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will.” He looks to one of the Hold guards. “Unlock the gate.”
“What?” I whisper.
Allisander isn’t anywhere near as quiet. “What?” he demands. “What are you doing?”
The guard puts a key in the lock, and I stare at Rocco. “What are you doing?”
“Returning to the palace, as you requested, but I must take you with me.” The lock gives, and he swings the door wide.
“You will hang for this,” Allisander says. “He is a traitor.”
I’m staring at Rocco like this is a trap.
“His Majesty told me to ensure you are unharmed,” he says. “Your Highness, he never said where.”
